Determination of hexamethylene tetramine (HMT)

Hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) , also known as methenamine or urotropin, is a cyclic organic compound used in numerous industrial applications. It is found notably as a food preservative (E239, in some traditional cheeses), as an antimicrobial agent, as a stabilizer in materials, and as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of resins or polymers. Its analytical measurement is essential for controlling the quality, safety, and regulatory compliance of products in which it may be present.

Why measure hexamethylene tetramine?
Measuring hexamethylene tetramine is essential in several industrial contexts. In the food industry, it is necessary to verify compliance with the strict regulatory limits imposed by the European Union for the preservative E239, whose use is restricted to specific applications. Manufacturers must therefore control their raw materials or finished products to guarantee the absence or control of this molecule.
In materials and polymers, hexamethylene tetramine is used as a crosslinking agent, additive, or stabilizer, particularly in certain phenolic resins. Measuring it allows for the validation of formulations, the evaluation of potential migration phenomena, and the characterization of material failures.
In packaging, it can be present as a residue or byproduct of synthesis. Quantification is then crucial to meet regulatory requirements for food safety or REACH compliance.

Analytical Techniques Used:
The analysis of hexamethylene tetramine varies depending on the matrix, the target levels, and the required sensitivity.
The main techniques include:
• ion-exchange chromatography (IOC) for quantification in aqueous or food matrices
; • GC-FID after derivatization, for volatile formulations or polymer residues
; • GC-MS for specific identification and detection at very low concentrations;
• HPLC or LC-MS, particularly suited to complex matrices or those difficult to extract.

Sample preparation may require liquid-liquid extraction, derivatization, or the use of SPE (solid-phase extraction). Protocols are adapted according to the physicochemical characteristics of the product to be analyzed (food, polymer, manufacturing residue, packaging, complex material).

Matrices analyzed:
The most common matrices include:
• cheeses or food products in which E239 may be used
• engineering polymers, phenolic resins, industrial materials
• packaging components likely to contain or release traces
• chemical solutions or surface formulations
• materials in contact with aqueous or hydrophilic media
• solid or liquid extracts requiring contaminant identification

Industrial applications
This test is particularly relevant for the following sectors:
• food processing (control of E239 preservatives, food safety)
• materials and polymers (stability, crosslinking, migration)
• packaging (regulatory control and compliance)
• fine chemicals (intermediates, resins)
• technical products (lubricants, coatings, various formulations)

It allows, in particular, to:
• verify regulatory compliance in metrology and food safety
• control raw material or finished product specifications
• monitor stability or degradation over time
• investigate material defects or migrations
• secure production batches

Recommended additional analyses:
Depending on industrial needs, the following analyses are often combined:
• Heavy metals (ICP-MS)
• Overall/specific migration (packaging)

YesWeLab Service
At YesWeLab , we collaborate with a rigorously selected network of laboratories, most of which are certified and/or accredited (ISO 17025, COFRAC, etc.). Each request is directed to the most relevant laboratory based on the matrix, required detection thresholds, analytical methods, and regulatory requirements.
If you have specific requirements, our scientific team will assist you in defining the appropriate protocol and obtaining reliable and actionable results. Since 2020, numerous manufacturers, distributors, and engineering firms have trusted our digital platform to manage their analyses.